High voltage flash lamp circuit and emergency signal

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit and an emergency signal which includes this high voltage flash lamp circuit.

[0002] Emergency signal devices are employed in various forms in a number of different situations, e.g. for disabled vehicles, backpackers and campers, downed aircrafts and disabled boats.

[0003] There is a need therefore for a compact, versatile emergency signal that lends itself to a wide variety of applications and is relatively economical to manufacture and produce.

[0004] Power supplies have been proposed for electronic flash purposes where the circuit, operating from a power source, functions with means for charging and discharging a capacitor for operating a flash lamp.

[0005] GB-A-889 849 relates to a flashing emergency signal the actuating circuit of which comprises a capacitor charged by means of a feedback-controlled oscillator circuit, a rectifier and a transformer. The flash lamp is operated by the energy stored in the transformer core on switching off its primary winding controlled by the oscillator circuit. In this known emergency signal no means are provided to maintain the charge on the storage capacitor.

[0006] Typically, many of the systems have had means of some type for sensing the capacitor voltage and disabling the charging circuit after the capacitor has been fully charged, to save power.

[0007] The prior art systems mentioned above generally have limitations which make them not suitable for use for emergency signal devices which require an immediate bright flash in response to actuation, rapid recharging to afford repetitive or sequential flashing, or both, and relative light weight. These prior systems typically have a relatively long charging time, between 6 and 30 seconds, or have relatively large power sources, such as large or bulky batteries, or are connected to an AC source and are thereby non-portable. Also these systems, in order to achieve the desired results, are frequently quite complex as well as being too large to be easily portable in vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, boats, airplanes, cycles for for backpacking and hiking. Another problem with many prior art systems is that the voltage sensing mechanism is not precise so there is a relatively large swing between full charge of the flash capacitor and the voltage level at which the charge again builds up. They often use a linear technology or a flyback transformer in the feedback circuit.

[0008] US―A―3 933 117 and FR-A-2 076 701 show telescope means for warning devices whereby that of US―A―3 933 117 has at the top of the telescope means a hollow elongated cylindrical shaped ball member having hemispherical dome shaped ends and having its exterior surface coated with a reflecting paint, so that the cylinder will be highly visible in both day light and at night when subjected to light raise such as from a beam of light of an approaching vehicle. In contrast thereto FR-A-2 076 701 has on the top of the telescope means a light for illuminating a reflec- tant triangular plane.

[0009] DE-A-1 589 150 shows an electrical hand held warning lamp having different operation modes, e.g. blinking mode, steady burning, off and opening of the case, the different operation modes being controlled by turning the top of the warning device into a plurality of operative positions.

[0010] DE-B2-2 326 952 discloses a triangular shaped warning device for automobiles having in its triangular outer stripes flash lamps to be sequentially flashed so that the light is rotating in a clockwise direction. '

[0011] GB-A-2 088 157 discloses an electric flash device comprising a DC/AC voltage converter and boosting circuit on the basis of a voltage feedback type oscillator circuit, a rectifier, a storage capacitor, a flash tube circuit and a trigger signal generating circuit for triggering the flash tube. This known device further comprises oscillation stop control means and trigger control means and timing control means for controlling the operation timing of the DC/AC voltage converter and boosting circuit.

[0012] It is the object of the invention to provide an improved controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit which avoids the problems of the prior art and assures a full charge of the flash capacitor with high efficiency and low power loss so that it is adaptable for portable emergency flash units having light weight batteries where a rapid recharging rate is necessary, and to provide an emergency signal comprising that high voltage flash lamp circuit.

[0013] The above object is achieved according to claims 1 and 13.

[0014] The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0015] With respect to GB-A-889 849 or GB-A-2 088 157 which discloses a controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit comprising

one or more flash lamps,

storage capacitor means connected across the flash lamps,

a trigger circuit connected to the flash lamp(s) for triggering the flash lamp(s) into conduction,

a DC power supply,

oscillator means,

a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of the oscillator means,

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between the DC/AC inverter and the storage capacitor means to charge the storage capacitor means to a desired voltage level;

a feedback network,

a feed back loop coupling the output of the voltage multiplier to the feedback network, and

means for controlling the oscillator means the present invention is characterized in that

the storage capacitor means are designed to be charged to and maintained substantially at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate the flash lamp means as desired at a predetermined output level, and

the means for controlling the oscillator means are comparator means connected between the feedback network and the oscillator means and actuating the oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on the storage capacitor means below the desired voltage level is detected, and disabling the oscillator means when the desired voltage level on the storage capacitor means is achieved.

[0016] With respect to FR-A-1 563 638 which discloses an emergency signal comprising a base, signalling means extending from said base and including an enclosure and one or more high intensity flash lamps inside the enclosure, substantially planar and substantially rigid window means in at least one side of the enclosure, the window means being adjacent and spaced from the flash lamps, a DC power source and a flash lamp circuit for energizing the flash lamps, and actuating means in said base electrically connecting the flash lamp circuit through switch means to the DC power source, the emergency signal according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit as defined above.

[0017] The invention will now be described with more details on the basis of specific embodiments and with reference to the drawings wherein

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the basic controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit according to the invention employed in the various emergency signal embodiments;

Fig. 2 is a generalized schematic diagram of the high voltage flash lamp circuit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the high voltage flash lamp circuit of Fig. 1 configured for dual alternating flash;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the high voltage flash lamp circuit of Fig. 1 configured to sequentially operate four flash lamps;

Fig. 5 shows the timing waveforms for triggering the flash lamp circuit of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the emergency signal according to the invention deployed for use;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the unit of Fig. 6 nested for transport and storage;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the unit showing in phantom the feet in deployed position;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective detail illustrating a typical deflected detent tab;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical system;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 13 is a vertical section taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a modification of the unit in which it is made smaller and provided with a belt clip for personal use;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a triangular- shaped telescopic device in open position;

Fig. 17 is a front view of the device of Fig. 16 in closed position;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a car top emergency signal device in retracted position;

Fig. 19 is a side view of the device of Fig. 18 in extended telescopic position;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a belt-type emergency signal device;

Fig. 21 is a top view of the device of Fig. 20 with the batteries exposed;

Fig. 22 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a single triangular emergency signal;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a collapsible pyramid according to the invention;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 23 in collapsed condition, and

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 23 in partially collapsed condition.

[0018] The high voltage flash lamp circuit used to create the desired short duration, high-intensity flashes is shown in Figs. 1-5. Fig. 1 is a generalized block diagram of the flash lamp circuit according to the invention. Flash lamp 160 has a high voltage, approximately 450 V, applied to it from storage capacitor 161. The lamp flashes upon actuation by a signal from trigger circuit 162 which discharges the storage capacitor across the flash lamp causing a substantially instantaneous bright flash. The trigger circuit is actuated by a signal from trigger control 163.

[0019] A control signal is applied to the input of oscillator 164 which operates at an appropriate frequency, in the range of 20 to 200 kHz, preferably about 25 kHz. A low DC voltage is applied to terminal 165 of DC/AC inverter 166 and, in conjunction with the switching engendered by oscillator 164, the inverter has a substantially amplified AC voltage output, approximately 10 to 15 times its input voltage. The AC output is applied to AC/DC converter/multiplier 167 where the voltage is rectified and multiplied to approximately 450 V at output 171. This voltage may range from 400 to 475 V and is applied across storage capacitor 161 to fire the flash lamp when triggered. A feedback loop 172 couples the output of multiplier 167 with feedback network 173, the output of which is applied to comparator 174. When the voltage on storage capacitor 161 reaches the desired level, it is sensed by the feedback network and comparator, and the comparator 174 switches to disable the oscillator 164. When the voltage on the storage capacitor 161 has been reduced, at least by a predetermined value, either by leakage or by discharge, a lower voltage appearing in the feedback network causes the comparator 174 to switch the oscillator 164 to an oscillating condition and quickly recharge the storage capacitor.

[0020] The schematic diagram of Fig. 2 shows a basic example of the components in the blocks of Fig. 21. Feedback network 173 comprises a resistor 175 in series with a potentiometer 176 and another resistor 177. The potentiometer enables the level of voltage detected by the feedback network to be adjusted. Resistors 177 and potentiometer 176 are shunted by capacitor 18.

[0021] The feedback network 173 is- connected to comparator 174 comprised of Schmitt trigger elements 182 and 183. For convenience, trigger element 183 is shown with a positive voltage input terminal 184 and a ground terminal 185. Actually, each such element in a single chip of many elements would have the positive and ground terminals. The output of the comparator 174 is fed to diode 186 in oscillator 164, which also comprises a Schmitt trigger element 187. Elements 182, 183 and 187 are part of a single CMOS chip (40106) which is available from a number of different sources. The other diode, resistors and capacitors comprising the oscillator are common elements, typically arranged, and need not be described in detail here.

[0022] The output of the oscillator 164 is applied to the gate terminal of field effect transistor (FET) 191, the D and S terminals of which are coupled across a series RC network comprising resistor 192 and capacitor 193. The D terminal of FET and the RC network are connected to the tap 194 of coil 195. DC voltage from the power supply is applied to one end of coil 195 through terminal 196.

[0023] The output of the DC/AC inverter 166 is connected to the input of AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier 167 which serves to rectify the medium level voltage AC signal out of the inverter and increase the voltage applied to storage capacitor 161 to approximately 450 V. The storage capacitor is shown as being comprised of two capacitor elements 197 and 198 but this is a matter of design choice as to whether one or more capacitors are used. The charge stored in capacitor 161 is applied across tube 201 of flash lamp 160 and provides a bright flash when fired by means of trigger circuit 162 comprising silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) 202 connected through capacitor 203 to the tap 204 of coil 205. The capacitor is also connected through a resistor 206 back to AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier 167. When SCR 202 conducts, the charge stored in storage capacitor 203 triggers flash lamp 201 into conduction through trigger coil 205 for an instantaneous brilliant flash.

[0024] Trigger circuit 162 is controlled by trigger control circuit 163 comprising DC voltage input terminal 207 connected to lead 211 of SCR 202 through on/off switch 212. DC power source 213, which powers the entire high voltage flash lamp circuit, comprises battery 214 shunted by capacitors 215 and 216 through normally closed switch 217. Battery 214 may comprise more than one actual battery element, which would normally be connected in parallel. The B+ voltage, which is contemplated as being a simple 9V battery, is applied as indicated to comparator 174 and DC/AC inverter 166, as well as to trigger control circuit 163.

[0025] In operation, assuming storage capacitor 161 is fully charged, when on/off switch 212 is closed a positive voltage is applied to gate 221 of SCR 202 causing the SCR to immediately conduct causing the entire voltage on the storage capacitor to be applied across flash lamp 201, resulting in a bright flash of extremely short duration. This conduction is substantially instantaneous, and the circuit then senses, through feedback loop 172 and feedback network 173, that the voltage is a lower than desired full-charge level and will immediately trigger oscillator 164 into operation to recharge the capacitor. When the storage capacitor 161 reaches the desired full charge, typically 450 V, the feedback network 173 and comparator 174 sense that the desired voltage has been reached and disable the oscillator 164, thereby saving battery power. Due to leakage over a period of time, the charge on storage capacitor 161 may be reduced somewhat.

[0026] This circuit can be adjusted to detect as little as four to six volts decrease in the charge in storage capacitor 161 and again through comparator 174 actuate oscillator 164 to bring the charge up to its full desired value. The time to charge the storage capacitor 161 from full discharge may vary but about one second is adequate for most purposes.

[0027] The basic circuit of Figs. 1 and 2 can be applied to several different devices with minor modifications. A dual flash unit (Fig. 3) employs two of the flash lamp circuits shown in Fig. 1 controlled by the trigger control circuit 163 to alternately flash two flash units such as for a car top emergency signal. Another modification is for a multiple sequential flash unit (Fig. 4) which operates generally as does the circuit of Fig. 1.

[0028] As indicated previously, there are some flash lamp devices which turn the charging circuit off when the storage capacitor is fully charged. Many of these systems allow the charge on the storage capacitor to be reduced by twenty to twenty-five volts before recharging occurs, due to several possible factors inherent in their circuitry. Because of the precision, simplicity and efficiency of the components and the circuits of the present invention, a charge reduction of four to six volts will be detected by the feedback network and comparator, resulting in recharging the storage capacitor. Frequent, small increment charging uses very little energy, much less than larger amounts of charging which occur less often. Another advantage of the present system is that the charge on the storage capacitor is always up to or near peak so there is no danger that the flash tube would be actuated at a low point, as much as five percent below peak, which could result in less than the desired brightness of flash.

[0029] Basically, the prior art devices having an intended similar function are typically much less precise than that of the present invention, and some of them are very temperature sensitive so that the feedback voltage necessary to actuate the charging oscillator could vary greatly with temperature. This is especially true for those devices which depend on the leakage characteristics of a transistor to terminate the charging function. The feedback network and comparator of the present invention are extremely precise and efficient so that very little energy is used while at the same time the charge on the storage capacitor is maintained at the desired level with an extremely low variation. The switching technology used in this invention is very efficient and precise compared with linear technology or flyback transformers previously used.

[0030] The circuit of Fig. 3 is a for a dual-flash emergency signal unit and comprises two identical charging and flashing circuits which are interconnected so that they are commonly actuated. Further, it is normally desired to have the flashes of this device occur in alternating fashion as opposed to simultaneously, so that one flash lamp will discharge followed by the other in indefinite sequence. The left side of the circuitry in Fig. 3 is termed the "master unit" and the right side as the "slave unit". The basic elements set forth in the block diagram of Fig. 1 and in the circuit diagram of Fig. 2 are substantially identical in each unit of Fig. 3. The circuit elements of the slave unit on the right side of Fig. 3 which are the same as those in the master unit are designated by the subscript "a".

[0031] The trigger control circuit 163 comprises a Schmitt trigger 231 which controls a flip-flop 232, the output of which goes to gate elements 233 and 234. The output of gate 233 controls trigger circuit 162 of the master unit and the output of gate 234 through a pair of conductive telescoping rods 235, controls the trigger circuit 162a of the slave unit. In the stored condition rods 235 are telescoped together, on/off switch 236 in power supply 213 is open, and the master and slave flash units are closely adjacent. When deployed, the units are pulled apart to extend the rods and on/ off switch 236 is closed to charge the storage capacitor and commence operation of the signals. The signal unit may be so configured that the act of pulling the master and slave units apart automatically closes switch 236.

[0032] The charge time of each storage capacitor of the dual flash lamp circuit of Fig. 3 is substantially the same as the generalized circuit discussed previously, that is, about one second. It is anticipated that the flashes will occur at intervals which are equal to or greater than one second so the charging circuit operates in the same manner as previously described. Thus the charging function will occur within about one second, and the feedback network and comparator will function to stop the oscillator and thereby the charging of the capacitor. When this unit is operating normally, it is anticipated that little or no leakage will occur in the capacitor in the few moments between flashing intervals. However, even if such leakage should occur, the system will function just as described with respect to the previous embodiment, and the charge will be maintained within a very few volts, approximately one percent. Of course, the charging time could be reduced, the flash frequency decreased, or any other similar changes could be made.

[0033] The flash lamp circuit of Fig. 4 is also designed for an emergency unit, this circuit providing four discrete flashes in sequence. The purpose for sequential flashes is not only to attract attention but to possibly spell out a word where the flashes are positioned behind transparent or translucent sheets having contrasting letters or numerals in the faces thereof. Additionally, the sequence could be such as to create an arrow effect.

[0034] Feedback network 173 and comparator 174 are substantially identical with the embodiments previously described. Oscillator 164 includes an adjustable resistor 237 to vary the duty cycle of the oscillator. The DC power source 213 coupled to DC/AC inverter 166 through on/off switch 217 is the same as before. Likewise, AC/DC converter/ multiplier 167 and storage capacitor 161 are as previously described.

[0035] The basic differences in the Fig. 4 high voltage flash lamp circuit are centered around the fact that there are four flash lamps 160 and four trigger circuits 241-244 controlled by trigger control circuit 245. Each combination of trigger circuit and flash lamp is substantially the same as previously described. However, the lamps flash in sequence pursuant to signals applied from the trigger circuits due to the sequential control of trigger control 245.

[0036] Circuit 245 comprises a Schmitt trigger oscillator circuit 246 feeding toggling flip-flops 247 and 248 which in turn control the sequential operation of NAND gates 251, 252, 253 and 254. The output of each of these NAND gates controls the appropriate trigger circuit. Note that the trigger signal applied to the gate of each SCR in the trigger circuits is at a constant positive voltage V cc which goes to zero for a short time and at time to it returns to the V cc level. The primary reason for maintaining the positive voltage on the SCR gates is to keep the SCR conducting and make the flash lamp circuits non-responsive to noise pulses which may occur in the circuitry. When an SCR conducts, a short duration voltage spike of about 4000 V is applied to the flash lamp through coil 255, causing the very short duration but brilliant flash.

[0037] When the circuit of Fig. 4 is actuated by closing on/off switch 217, within about one second or less, power source 213 has charged storage capacitor 161 which is coupled across each of flash lamps 160. Pursuant to the sequential operation of trigger control circuit 245, trigger circuits 241, 242, 243 and 244 fire the flash lamps in sequence. The waveform diagram of Fig. 5 shows the voltage on line 256 as it behaves through one cycle of four flashes, in relation to the trigger signal applied to the gate of each SCR in sequence. Time t₀₁ is the instant of triggering the first flash lamp, t_o2 is the instant of triggering the second flash lamp, and so on.

[0038] In order to conserve power and make the circuit as efficient as possible, only one power supply and one storage capacitor 161 are used for the four-flash circuit of Fig. 4. As each tube is flashed, the oscillator functions to recharge the storage capacitor. Each flash tube is triggered after the storage capacitor has reached full charge, at approximately one second intervals. As in the other embodiments, when storage capacitor 161 achieves full charge of approximately 450 V DC, the charging circuit is shifted to a quiescent condition because of feedback network 173 and comparator 174.

[0039] In the following, embodiments of the emergency signal according to the invention will be explained, in which the above discussed flash lamp circuits are used.

[0040] In the embodiment of the emergency signal shown in Fig. 6 several stages of the device are shaped as cubes and arranged in telescoping relationship. A base 10 comprises a container with a handle 12 so that when the top lid 14 seats on the base and is latched, as will be described below, the unit is contained in a small configuration as shown in Fig. 7 for convenience of transport and storage. The top panel of the base 10 has a rectangular cutout into which telescopically slides the first box-like stage 16. A side compartment in base 10 contains a battery 18 and a strobe and timer unit 20, as shown in Figs. 9 and 13. On the other side in another compartment is an optional transmitter 22. If the unit incorporates a transmitter, an antenna mechanism may be incorporated in the stacked structure. Additionally, the other compartment may contain an attention getting audible signal means of any appropriate configuration.

[0041] Because they are all similar, only first stage 16 will be described in detail. Each section or stage has a pair of lateral walls 32 and longitudinal front and back walls 34 and 36, respectively. The front and back walls may each have a cutout 38 in the shape of a letter or other symbol, backed by a translucent, colored sheet 40, as shown in Fig. 14. With reference to Fig. 10, each stage has a lower lip 42 and an upper shoulder 44 to limit the vertical extension of the units so they do not separate. To maintain them in an extended position, detents 46 on each of the stages rest on the shoulders 44 of the stage beneath with stage 16 engaging base member 10. These detents are preferably slight protrusions molded as part of the telescoping stages.

[0042] Spaced behind the front face 34 of each of the stages is a reflector panel 48, each of which supports a separate flash lamp 50. These are preferably strobe lamps, that produce a high intensity short flash immediately upon being triggered. The strobe lamps in the illustrated embodiment are mounted centrally in a cutout in the reflector so that an identical set of symbols, referred to by reference numeral 38, can be cut in the rear face 36. It would also be possible to use only one set of symbols on the front panel and position the strobe lights on the forward facing surface of the reflective panels.

[0043] The connection to each of the strobe lamps should be made individually as they are preferably fired sequentially rather than simultaneously. A wiring network 52 connects the strobe timer unit 20 to each of the lamps as shown. Each of the reflector baffles 48 is supported generally parallel to the front and rear faces of the respective stage on a thin planar support 54 extending from one side of the respective stage (see Figs. 9 and 14). These supports fall flush against one another when the stages are telescoped together. It is intended that when expanded into its utilization mode each of the sections first snugly with adjoining sections so that the unit will not admit rain or snow into its interior. Further, steps could be taken to actually waterproof the unit if the environment in which it is to be used calls for this.

[0044] Top 14 of the structure, as best shown in Fig. 13, includes switch actuator 58 which actuates normally closed switch 60 in base 10 when the unit is retracted. In this position, the top is retained on the base, power is removed, and the stages are retained nested within the base container by latch 62 which doubles in function as the switch actuator.

[0045] Clip 74, best shown in Fig. 1, could be incorporated as an optional feature for use in engaging the unit on a partially raised car window. The same concept can be carried forth when the device is used on a small personal unit 76 shown in Fig. 15 in which the clip would be used to attach the unit to a belt 78.

[0046] In order to provide additional stability for the unit, feet 66 with magnetic terminal pads 68 are pivoted at 70 to the bottom 72 of the base as shown in Fig. 8. These feet lend stability in applications in which wind, irregular terrain, or both, could otherwise topple the signal unit. The magnetic pads facilitate mounting the emergency signal on a metal surface such as an automobile top.

[0047] Thus the unit is compact and convenient for transport and storage when not deployed, and can quickly be extended in an emergency situation. When extended, it automatically locks in the extended position and initiates the light flashing sequence, so that despite being in a state of shock, an emergency victim could still possibly have the presence of mind to actuate the mechanism simply by pulling the lid fully up into the position shown in Fig. 6.

[0048] Several optional features and variations are possible. If for use in the window of an elderly person or invalid, a remote control actuator may be used in place of the automatic switch 60, and the front faces of the letter blocks covered with a thin, plastic sheet of the same color as the rest of the box so that the letters "HELP" would not appear until the device was turned on (cf. Fig. 11). Additionally, the cross sectional shape of the telescopic unit could be made cylindrical, elliptical, triangular, or any other shape as desired. The signal may also be especially adapted for invalids by including a radio transmitter or an audible attention getting signal means, or both.

[0049] A unit of triangular cross section is shown in Figs. 16 and 17. Base 80 has folding support legs 82 on the bottom and signal element 84 telescopically mounted thereto. When retracted as shown in Fig. 17, the result is a compact, slim unit. The signal faces 86 are in the shape of arrows and when flashed separately and sequentially, give the impression of a moving signal arrow. It should also be recognized that this embodiment could be used to spell out a word such as "HELP", "STOP" or "SLOW". In this embodiment, a single housing encloses several separate strobe lights. Like the embodiment of Fig. 6, the emergency light is actuated by pulling the elements apart. The battery and strobe control 88 are contained in the bottom of base 80. Legs 82 fold around the control housing, with band 89 sliding up the length of the base as shown in Fig. 17. Alternatively, this unit could also be formed of several telescoping elements, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 6.

[0050] A car top emergency signal is shown in Figs. 18 and 19. Two substantially identical units 90 and 92 are normally secured or latched together by suitable means for storage. They may be small enough to be stored in the glove compartment. They could also be bracket mounted at any convenient location within the automobile. It is contemplated that the tops will be a clear material such as plastic so that the flashing lights are visible from all directions. Each unit is formed with thumb and finger recesses 94 to provide a grip for pulling the units apart. Magnetic rubber pads 96 are positioned on the bottom of each unit so that it will be securely held in place on the top of an automobile. Two parallel telescoping tubing members 98 have one end secured to each unit to enable them to be pulled apart. Any necessary wiring can be run through the tubing. This signal has an appropriate switch, possibly similar to that shown in Fig. 13, which is actuated when units 90 and 92 are separated.

[0051] A belt emergency signal unit 100 is shown in Figs. 20 and 21. Slot 101 is adapted to receive a person's belt. A clip 102 is attached to or molded together with base 104, which can hang the unit on a flat surface such as a window or a belt if desired. The base contains the necessary batteries 106 and flash and radio signal control (not shown). Top 108 is rotatable with respect to the base to actuate the high intensity lamp and the radio signal transmitter contained within the base of the signal unit. The rotatable top may be transparent, translucent, polarized or a colored filter type element. The flashing light is visible at great distances from all directions and the radio signals can be received several miles away. As shown in Fig. 21, the batteries are exposed when the top is rotated 90° so they can be replaced. Rotation of the top by 180° actuates the flash control and transmitter. The transmitter is preferably tuned to a single emergency frequency and transmits periodically when actuated.

[0052] A relatively inexpensive element triangular signal 110 is shown in Fig. 22. The usual battery and control 112 are mounted through an opening in the bottom of the unit. The strobe light 114 is mounted to the control element. Either or both triangular faces are transparent so that the flashing light is visible. The primary opening 115 may be surrounded by reflectorized tape 116 for added emergency use. Thus even if the lamp should fail, the emergency signal still provides a highly visible reflection to oncoming headlights.

[0053] The body of the triangular device is formed of two identical molded halves 118 and 120 with molded feet 122. The body halves may be made with appropriate detents to hold them together. The flash control is actuated by simple means such as a switch accessible from the bottom of the signal. Several units 110 may be carried in vehicles such as trucks, which are generally required to have emergency signals with minimum requirements for size and visibility. These devices would satisfy such requirements. Even if one became broken or inoperative, the others would provide the necessary warning.

[0054] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 23-25. This is a collapsible triangular pyramid configuration requiring very limited storage space, but providing reliable, long distance visibility to indicate an emergency situation.

[0055] Pyramid unit 132 is formed with three mutually adjacent surfaces 134, 136 and 138. At least one of these surfaces is preferably transparent, but may be translucent, polarized or otherwise colored in the manner of a filter. Contained within the signal device is a light and control unit 140 mounted to narrow triangular panel 142. This panel facilitate folding of the device to a relatively flat configuration, with one edge being slightly thicker than the other two edges to accommodate the control unit.

[0056] The transparent face 134 preferably includes reflectorized tape 144 forming a triangle somewhat smaller than the external dimensions of side 134 and surrounding window area 146.

[0057] When unit 132 is in the operative position as shown in Fig. 18, separate sides 134 and 136 are held together by suitable flexible means such as hook and pile fastener elements 148 and 150. In this position, control unit 140 and panel 142 are opposite window 146 for clear visibility. A simple switch may be employed to actuate the flashing light.

[0058] To fold or collapse the device, the fastener is disengaged, surface 136 is folded inwardly at edge 152 adjacent panel 142, and surface 134 is folded over surface 136. In this condition the device takes little space and several may be stored in a vehicle for use in emergencies.

[0059] It may be seen that the emergency signal device structure of this invention can take many forms. All employ a strobe type flash visible through transparent, translucent, polarized or colored windows or domes. They are simply actuated and the high intensity strobe lights provide signals for a long period of time. Those portions of the signal devices disclosed which do not comprise the primary visibility surfaces, such as windows 115 and 146, may be opaque. However, for at least some applications, those other portions may be transparent or translucent or otherwise light transmissive for added visibility.

Claims

1. A controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit comprising:

one or more flash lamps (160),

storage capacitor means (161) connected across the flash lamps (160),

a trigger circuit (162) connected to the flash lamp(s) for triggering the flash lamp(s) into conduction,

a DC power supply (213),

oscillator means (164),

a DC/AC inverter (166) connected to the output of the oscillator means (164),

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier (167) connected between the DC/AC inverter (166) and the storage capacitor means (161) to charge the storage capacitor means (161) to a desired voltage level;

a feedback network (173),

a feedback loop (172) coupling the output of the voltage multiplier (167) to the feedback network (173), and means for controlling the oscillator means (164), characterized in that

the storage capacitor means (161) are designed to be charged to and maintained substantially at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate the flash lamp means as desired at a predetermined output level, and

the means for controlling the oscillator means (164) are comparator means (174) connected between the feedback network (173) and the oscillator means (164) and actuating the oscillator means (164) when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on the storage capacitor means (161) below the desired voltage level is detected, and disabling the oscillator means (164) when the desired voltage level on the storage capacitor means (161) is achieved.

2. The flash lamp circuit according to claim 1 wherein the oscillator means (164) operate at about 25 kHz.

3. The flash lamp circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the DC/AC inverter (166) has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of the DC power supply input.

4. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AC/DC converter (167) converts the AC signal to DC and the voltage multiplier (167) amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 V.

5. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the feedback network (173) comprises an adjustable resistor (176) adapted to adjust the voltage level at which the comparator means (174) trigger the oscillator means (164) into oscillation.

6. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the comparator means (174) comprise a Schmitt trigger.

7. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the DC/AC inverter (166) comprises a field effect transistor (FET) (191), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of the oscillator means (164).

8. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the DC power is applied to the DC/AC inverter (166) through one end of a coil (195) having a tap (194) intermediate between its ends, the FET (191) being connected to the tap, the other end of the coil (195) being connected to the AC/DC converter (167).

9. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor means (161) is about 1% of the desired level.

10. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a trigger control circuit (163) is provided which actuates the trigger circuit (162).

11. The flash lamp circuit according to claim 10, characterized by a second flash lamp circuit as defined in claim 10, the trigger circuits (162,162a) thereof being operated by one common trigger control circuit (163) and causing the flash lamps (160, 160a) to flash in regular and continuous alternating sequence.

12. The flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of flash lamps (160) are connected in parallel, the triggering means comprise a like plurality of trigger circuits (241-244) connected to the respective flash lamps (160), each said flash lamp and triggering means combination being connected to function independently of each other such combination, and a trigger control circuit (245) is provided which is connected individually to the trigger circuits (241-244) and operates them to cause the flash lamps (160) to flash in a predetermined repetitive sequence.

13. An emergency signal comprising

a base (10, 80, 82; 94; 96; 104; 118; 120, 142),

signalling means (16; 86; 90, 92; 108; 115, 116; 136) extending from said base and including an enclosure (16; 84; 90, 92; 108; 118; 134) and one or more high intensity flash lamps (50; 114; 140; 160) inside the enclosure, substantially planar and substantially rigid window means (38, 86, 108, 115,144) in at least one side of the enclosure, the window means being adjacent and spaced from the flash lamps, a DC power source (18; 88; 106; 112; 213) and a flash lamp circuit for energizing the flash lamps, and

actuating means in said base electrically connecting the flash lamp circuit through switch means (217, 236) to the DC power source (213), characterized by

at least one controlled high voltage flash lamp circuit according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The emergency signal according to claim 13, wherein the flash lamp circuit comprises a strobe unit.

15. The emergency signal according to claim 13 or 14, comprising two bases (96) and two signalling means (90, 92), telescoping means (98) interconnecting the two bases (96), whereby the signalling means (90, 92) are actuatable independently and sequentially with respect to the other.

16. The emergency signal according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the window means and the signalling means comprise a transparent top (108) rotatably connected to the base.

17. The emergency signal according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the base is the bottom of a triangular housing (118, 120), the signalling means and the window means (134, 136, 144) comprise the top two sides of the triangular housing formed of spaced and substantially planar faces each formed with a triangular opening (115; 146) therethrough.

18. The emergency signal according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the base (10; 80) comprises as enclosure at least one plural-sided telescoping box (16, 84) deployable from a stored mode nested within the base to an extended mode, detent means (46) for releasably retaining the box in the extended mode, the box having a light-transmitting symbol (38) on at least one side thereof, wherein the flash lamps (50) inside the box illuminate the respective symbol thereon, a top (14) attached to the box when in the extended mode, and latch means (62) for latching the top to the base with the box inside to define a self- contained container when not in use.

19. The emergency signal according to claim 18, characterized in that the DC power supply comprises battery means (106) mounted in the base, and the top has a plurality of operative positions, the emergency signal being in a quiescent state when the top is in a first position, the battery means (106) being accessible for removal from the base when the top is in a second position, and the flash lamp being actuated when the top is in a third position.

20. The emergency signal according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by a radio transmitter mounted in the base, the radio transmitter being actuated for repeated emergency signal transmission when the top is in the third position.

Ansprüche

1. Geregelte Hochspannungsblitzleuchtenschaltung mit

einer oder mehreren Blitzleuchten (160),

einer mit den Blitzleuchten (160) parallel geschalteten Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161),

einer mit der/den Blitzleuchte(n) verbundenen Triggerschaltung (162) für den Stromschluß der Blitzleuchte(n),

einer Gleichstromquelle (213),

einem Oszillator (164),

einem an den Ausgang des Oszillators (164) angeschlossenen Wechselrichter (166), einem zwischen dem Wechselrichter (166) und der Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161) angelegten Gleichrichter und Spannungsvervielfacher (167) zur Aufladung der Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161) auf eine Sollspannung,

einem Rückkopplungsnetzwerk (173),

einer Rückkopplungsschleife (172) zur Verbindung des Ausgangs des Spannungsvervielfachers (167) mit dem Rückkopplungsnetzwerk (173) sowie Einrichtungen zur Steuerung des Oszillators (164), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß

die Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161) so ausgelegt ist, daß sie im wesentlichen auf eine Sollspannung aufgeladen und dort gehalten wird, welche ausreicht, um die Blitzleuchten bei einem bestimmten Ausgangspegel in Betrieb zu setzen, und

daß die Einrichtung zur Steuerung des Oszillators (164) eine zwischen dem Rückkopplungsnetzwerk (173) und dem Oszillator (164) eingeschaltete Vergleichseinrichtung (174) ist, um den Oszillator (164) in Betrieb zu setzen, wenn an der Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161) ein Spannungsabfall unter die Sollspannung erfaßt wird, und um den Oszillator (164) außer Betrieb zu setzen, wenn die Sollspannung an der Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161) erreicht ist.

2. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oszillatoren (164) mit etwa 25 kHz arbeiten.

3. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Wechselrichter (166) ein Wechselspannungssignal abgibt, welches auf das 10- bis 15-fache des Spannungswertes der Speisegleichspannung verstärkt wird.

4. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Gleichrichter (167) das Wechselspannungssignal in ein Gleichspannungssignal umwandelt und der Spannungsvervielfacher (167) die Eingangsspannung auf etwa 450 V verstärkt.

5. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Rückkopplungsnetzwerk (173) einen einstellbaren Widerstand (176) zur Einstellung der Spannung aufweist, bei welcher die Vergleichereinrichtung (174) den Oszillator (164) in Schwingungen verstezt.

6. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Vergleichereinrichtung (174) einen Schmitt-Trigger umfaßt.

7. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Wechselrichter (166) einen Feldeffekttransistor (FET, 191) umfaßt, dessen Leiteigenschaften durch das Ausgangssignal des Oszillators (164) gesteuert werden.

8. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gleichspannung an den Wechselrichter (166) über ein Ende einer Spule (195) angelegt wird, welche zwischen ihren Enden einen Abgriff (194) aufweist, wobei der FET (191) an den Abgriff und das andere Ende der Spule (195) an den Gleichrichter (167) angeschlossen ist.

9. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die vorbestimmte Verringerung des Spannungspegels an der Speicherkondensatoreinrichtung (161) etwa 1% der Sollspannung beträgt.

10. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Triggersteuerkreis (163) zur Betätigung der Triggerschaltung (162) vorgesehen ist.

11. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach Anspruch 10, gekennzeichnet durch eine zweite Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach Anspruch 10, deren Triggerschaltungen (162, 162a) durch einen gemeinsamen Triggersteuerkreis (163) betätigt werden, so daß die Blitzleuchten (160, 160a) in regelmäßiger und kontinuierlich alternierender Sequenz aufleuchten.

12. Blitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Anzahl von Blitzleuchten (160) parallelgeschaltet sind, die Triggereinrichtung eine gleiche Anzahl von Triggerschaltungen (241-244) umfaßt, welche mit den entsprechenden Blitzleuchten (160) so verbunden sind, daß jede Kombination aus Blitzleuchte und Triggereinrichtung unabhängig von jeder anderen dieser Kombinationen arbeitet, und ein Triggersteuerkreis (245), welcher einzeln mit den Triggerschaltungen (241-244) verbunden ist, vorgesehen ist, um diese so zu betätigen, daß die Blitzleuchten (160) in einer vorbestimmten sich wiederholenden Folge aufleuchten.

13. Notsignalgerät mit

einem Sockel (10, 80, 82; 94; 96; 104; 118; 120, 142),

Signaleinrichtungen (16; 86; 90, 92; 108; 115, 116; 136), welche sich von dem Sockel erstrecken und ein Gehäuse (16; 84, 90, 92; 108; 118; 134) sowie eine oder mehrere Blitzleuchten hoher Intensität (50; 114; 140; 160) innerhalb des Gehäuses umfassen, im wesentlichen ebenen und im wesentlichen starren Fenstereinrichtungen (38, 86, 108, 115, 144) in mindestens einer Seite des Gehäuses, wobei die Fenstereinrichtungen neben und im Abstand von den Blitzleuchten angeordnet sind, einer Gleichstromquelle (18; 88; 106; 112; 213) und einer Blitzleuchtenschaltung, um den Blitzleuchten Energie zuzuführen, und

Betätigungseinrichtungen in dem Sockel, um die Blitzleuchtenschaltung mit der Gleichstromquelle (213) über eine Schaltereinrichtung (217, 236) elektrisch zu verbinden,

gekennzeichnet durch mindestens eine geregelte Hochspannungsblitzleuchtenschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12.

14. Notsignalgerät nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Blitzleuchtenschaltung eine Strobe-Einheit umfaßt.

15. Notsignalgerät nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei Sockel (96), zwei Signaleinrichtungen (90, 92) sowie die beiden Sockel (96) verbindende Teleskopstangen (98) vorgesehen sind, wobei die Signaleinrichtungen (90, 92) unabhängig voneinander und nacheinander betätigbar sind.

16. Notsignalgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Fenstereinrichtungen und die Signaleinrichtungen einen mit dem Sockel drehbar verbundenen oberen Teil (108) aufweisen.

17. Notsignalgerät nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Sockel den Boden eines dreieckigen Gehäuses (118, 120) bildet, die Signaleinrichtungen und die Fenstereinrichtungen (134, 136, 144) die beiden Oberseiten des dreieckigen Gehäuses umfassen, welche aus von einander beabstandeten und im wesentlichen ebenen Flächen gebildet sind, die jeweils eine durch diese hindurchgehende Dreiecksöffnung (115; 146) aufweisen.

18. Notsignalgerät nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Sockel (10; 80) umfaßt:

als Gehäuse mindestens einen mehrseitigen teleskopisch aus- und einfahrbaren Behälter (16, 84), welcher aus einer in dem Sockel ruhenden Position in eine ausgefahrene Position entfaltbar ist,

eine Arretiereinrichtung (46), um den Behälter im ausgefahrenen Zustand freigebbar zu arretieren, wobei der Behälter an mindestens einer Seite ein lichtdurchlässiges Symbol (38) aufweist und die Blitzleuchten (50) im Innern des Behälters das jeweilige Symbol an diesem erleuchten, einen an dem Behälter befestigten Aufsatz (14), wenn ersterer sich im ausgefahrenen Zustand befindet, sowie Verriegelungseinrichtungen (62) zur Verriegelung des Aufsatzes mit dem Sockel, wobei der Behälter sich im Innern befindet, zur Bildung eines in sich geschlossenen Behälters bei Nichtbenutzung.

19. Notsignalgerät nach Anspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gleichstromquelle eine an dem Sockel befestigte Batterie (106) und der Aufsatz mehrere Betriebsstellungen umfaßt, wobei das Notsignal sich im Ruhezustand befindet, wenn sich der Aufsatz in einer ersten Position befindet, die Batterie (106) für die Demontage von dem Sockel zugänglich ist, wenn der Aufsatz sich in einer zweiten Position befindet, und die Blitzleuchte betätigt wird, wenn der Aufsatz sich in einer dritten Position befindet.

20. Notsignalgerät nach Anspruch 18 oder 19, gekennzeichnet durch einen in dem Sockel angebrachten Funksender, welcher zur Übermittlung eines sich wiederholenden Notsignals betätigt wird, wenn der Aufsatz sich in der dritten Position befindet.

Revendications

1. Circuit commandé à lampe à éclairs à haute tension comprenant:

une ou plusieurs lampes à éclairs (160),

un condenasteur (161) d'accumulation d'énergie connecté aux bornes des lampes à éclairs (160),

un circuit de déclenchement (162) connecté à la lampe ou aux lampes à éclairs et destiné à mettre à l'état conducteur la lampe ou les lampes à éclairs,

une alimentation continue (213),

un dispositif oscillateur (164),

un convertisseur continu-alternatif (166) connecté à la sortie du dispositif oscillateur (164),

un convertisseur alternatif-continu en un multiplicateur de tension (167) connecté entre le convertisseur continu-alternatif (166) et le condensateur (161) afin que celui-ci soit chargé à un niveau voulu de tension,

un réseau de rétroaction (173),

une boucle de rétroaction (170) couplant la sortie du circuit multiplicateur de tension (167) au réseau de rétroaction (173), et

un dispositif de commande du dispositif oscillateur (164),

caractérisé en ce que:

le condensateur (161) d'accumulation d'énergie est destiné à être chargé et maintenu pratiquement à un niveau voulu de tension suffisant pour que le dispositif à lampe à éclairs soit commandé à volonté à un niveau prédéterminé de sortie, et

le dispositif de commande du dispositif oscillateur (164) est formé d'un comparateur (174) connecté entre le réseau de rétroaction (173) et le dispositif oscillateur (164) et detiné à commander le dispositif oscillateur (164) lorsqu'une réduction prédéterminée de la tension appliquée au condensateur (161), au-dessous du niveau voulu de tension, est détectée, et à rendre inactif le dispositif oscillateur (164) lorsque le niveau voulu de tension du condensateur (161) est obtenu.

2. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif oscillateur (164) travaille à environ 25 kHz.

3. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le convertisseur continu-alternatif (166) a un signal alternatif de sortie amplifié dix à quinze fois par rapport à la valeur de la tension d'alimentation continue.

4. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel le convertisseur alternatif-continu (167) transforme le signal alternatif en un courant continu et le circuit multiplicateur de tension (167) amplifie la tension transmise à un niveau d'environ 450 V.

5. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le réseau de rétroaction (173) comporte une résistance réglable (176) destinée à régler le niveau de tension auquel le comparateur (174) déclenche le dispositif oscillateur (164) afin qu'il oscille.

6. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel le comparateur (174) comporte une bascule de Schmitt.

7. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel le convertisseur continu-alternatif (166) comporte un transistor à effet de champ (FET) (191), la conduction du transistor étant commandée par le signal de sortie du dispositif oscillateur (164).

8. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le courant continu est appliqué au convertisseur continu-alternatif (166) par une extrémité d'un bobinage (195) ayant une prise (194) entre ses extrémités, le transistor à effet de champ (191) étant relié à la prise, l'autre extrémité du bobinage (195) étant connectée au convertisseur alternatif-continu (167).

9. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel la réduction prédéterminée du niveau de la tension appliquée au condensateur (161) est environ égale à 1% du niveau voulu.

10. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel un circuit de commande de déclenchement (163) est destiné à commander le circuit de déclenchement (162).

11. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon la revendication 10, caractérisé par un second circuit à lampe à éclairs selon la revendication 10, les circuist de déclenchement (162,162a) des circuits à lampes à éclairs étant commandés par un circuit commun de commande de déclenchement (163) et provoquant le fonctionnement des lampes à éclairs (160, 160a) avec une séquence régulière et alternant de manière continue.

12. Circuit à lampe à éclairs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, dans lequel plusieurs lampes à éclairs (160) sont connectées en parallèle,

le dispositif de déclenchement comprend un nombre correspondant de circuits de déclenchement (241-244) connectés aux lampes respectives à éclairs (160), chaque combinaison d'une lampe à éclairs et d'un dispositif de déclenchement étant connectée afin qu'elle fonctionne indépendamment de chaque autre combinaison, et

un circuit (245) de commande de déclenchement est réalisé afin qu'il soit connecté individuellement aux circuits de déclenchement (241-244) et les commande de manière que les lampes à éclairs (160) fonctionnent avec une séquence répétitive prédéterminée.

13. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité comprenant:

une base (10, 80, 82; 94; 96; 104; 118; 120,142),

un dispositif de signalisation (16; 86; 90, 92; 108; 115, 116; 136) dépassant de la base et comprenant une enceinte (16; 84; 90, 92; 108; 118; 134) et une ou plusieurs lampes à éclairs (50; 114; 140; 160) de forte intensité, placées dans l'enceinte,

un dispositif à fenêtre sensiblement plane et sensiblement rigide (38, 86, 108, 115, 144) placé d'un côté au moins de l'enceinte, le dispositif à fenêtre étant adjacent aux lampes à éclairs mais distant de celles-ci,

une alimentation continue (18; 88; 106; 112; 213) et un circuit à lampe à éclairs destiné à alimenter les lampes à éclairs, et

un dispositif de commande placé dans la base et connectant électriquement le circuit à lampe à éclairs à l'alimentation continue (213) par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de commutation (217, 236),

caractérisé par au moins un circuit commandé à lampe à éclairs à haute tension selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12.

14. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon la revendication 13, dans lequel le circuit à lampe à éclairs comporte un ensemble à lampe à éclats.

15. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon la revendication 13 ou 14, comprenant deux bases (96) et deux dispositifs de signalisation (90, 92), un dispositif télescopique (98) reliant les deux bases (96), si bien que les dispositifs de signalisation (90, 92) peuvent être commandés indépendamment et successivement l'un par rapport à l'autre.

16. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 15, dans lequel le dispositif à fenêtre et le dispositif de signalisation ont une partie supérieure transparente (108) raccordée à la base de manière qu'elle puisse tourner.

17. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon la revendication 13 ou 14, caractérisé en ce que la base est la partie inférieure d'un boîtier triangulaire (118, 120), le dispositif de signalisation et le dispositif à fenêtre (134, 136, 144) comprenant les deux faces supérieures du boîtier triangulaire qui sont formées par des faces distantes et sensiblement planes ayant chacune une ouverture triangulaire (115; 146) qui la traverse.

18. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon la revendication 13 ou 14, caractérisé en ce que:

la base (10; 80) comporte, comme enceinte, au moins une boîte télescopique à plusieurs côtés (16, 84) qui peut être déployée d'un mode de stockage emboîté dans la base à un mode déployé,

un dispositif d'encliquetage (46) destiné à retenir temporairement la boîte en mode déployé, la boîte ayant un symbole (38) capable de transmettre de la lumière sur l'une de ses faces au moins, les lampes à éclairs (50) placées dans la boîte éclairant le symbole correspondant, et

une partie supérieure (14) fixée à la boîte lorsqu'elle est en position déployée, et un dispositif (62) de verrouillage de la partie supérieure sur la base dans la boîte afin qu'un récipient autonome soit délimité lorsque l'appareil n'est pas utilisé.

19. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que:

l'alimentation continue comporte un dispositif à batterie (106) monté dans la base, et

la partie supérieure a plusieurs positions de travail, l'appareil de signalisation de sécurité étant au repos lorsque la partie spuérieure est dans une première position, le dispositif à batterie (106) étant accessible afin qu'il puisse être retiré de la base lorsque la partie supérieure est dans une seconde position, et la lampe à éclairs étant commandée lorsque la partie supérieure est dans une troisième position.

20. Appareil de signalisation de sécurité selon la revendication 18 ou 19, caractérisé par un émetteur radioélectrique monté dans la base et commandé afin qu'il émette de façon répétée un signal d'urgence lorsque la partie supérieure est dans la troisième position.

Drawing